HI, We are going to Bangkok and then Patong in March for the first time. Just wondering what money other Aussies take.
Do you recommend AUD $, USD $ and or Travellers Cheques.

In years gone by when we were nervous travellers we always took travellers cheques. These days and a bit more experienced we now only take AUD$ and place them in the hotel room safe. We always carry credit cards too.
A couple of times I have placed $100 in separate envelopes which were numbered and we changed one at a time in numerical order. However, my husband has said he doesn't want to do it again as we stay in reputable hotels and have never had a problem.
I still think the envelopes are a good idea.
Cheers Geri

Take few hundred dollars in AUD - keep most of them till you get to a money changer in Bangkok, but change about $20 or $30 AUD into Thai baht at airport in Australia because you'll need some Thai baht for immediate needs on arrival - e.g. for the taxi from airport to your hotel and for any other small purchases till you get to money changer or ATM.

Normally I wouldn't recommend this because exchange rates are better in Thailand, so it's much better to exchange money once there, but changing a small amount in Australia won't matter much overall, but will give you the security of knowing you don't have to worry about changing money till later.

Also take your debit card so you can withdraw Thai baht at ATMs - of course, you'll get Thai Baht this way and because your Aussie bank will probably charge you for using an ATM that's not on their network, it's best to get fairly large amounts e.g. 10,000 baht or 20,000 baht, rather than keep going to ATMs for smaller amounts. You'll avoid transaction fees this way.

If you have debit cards from different banks, take two in case one of them isn't accepted. I always take two different cards to allow for this little glitch.

You can use your visacard for purchases in department stores,hotels and restaurants.

Just take Aus $ there is no point in paying commission twice by changing to US$ first,and definitely DO NOT change money in Aus as you will get a far better rate in Thailand and there are lots of moneychangers at the airport wih very nearly the same rate as you will get anywhere.
Ted